"If I am not punished, it is because there were no reasons for the sending-off," Mourinho said.

"I am happy that was recognised and that I can be doing my work normally against Crystal Palace. That is enough for me."

Mourinho was sent off during United's game at Southampton for venturing onto the pitch in the final moments

Mourinho was sent off during United's game at Southampton for venturing onto the pitch in the final moments

Craig Pawson, the referee involved on the south coast at the weekend, received praise from the United boss, who does not blame him for only showing Shane Long a yellow card for his tackle that costs Marouane Fellaini the chance to play in Russia.

"Craig Pawson is one of the big talents in England," Mourinho added. "He had an amazing game. He was so calm and in control. After I watch it on TV, no camera on Craig and he made that decision."

Mourinho confirmed that Fellaini would be joined by fellow midfielders Michael Carrick and Paul Pogba on the sidelines.

Pogba is out with a hamstring problem and the Portuguese boss said no further update on his condition was available.

Southampton 0-1 Man Utd

Southampton 0-1 Man Utd

Mourinho was asked how much his team would miss Fellaini on Wednesday night, with the Belgian not having recovered from an ankle injury he suffered in a tackle by Shane Long in the victory over the Saints.

"He was lucky [not to be out longer]," Mourinho said. "It could have been a much worse situation.

"I expect him not to be out for a long time and after Crystal Palace there is an international break, with no pressure on Belgium, so hopefully he will be back for us.

United left for their Champions League game against CSKA Moscow without Marouane Fellaini, who is having treatment on an ankle injury

United left for their Champions League game against CSKA Moscow without Marouane Fellaini, who is having treatment on an ankle injury

"The solutions are not many. We are trying not to focus on individual battles in specific areas on the pitch.

"We are going to have a team with quality and balance to try to win the match. That's our objective."

Defenders Phil Jones and Eric Bailly are available again after serving European suspensions.